I heard a joke on an old Friends episode the other day that reminded me to clean my washing machine. Chandler told Joey that “soap is self cleaning” and Joey replied to that Chandler should think about the last thing Joey washes and the first thing Chandler washes with that soap. Some of us believe that the washing machine is also self-cleaning; however, it is not. We must clean the inside of the washing machine just was we clean the outside of the machine. Cleaning your washing machine will keep it from developing bad odors. A clean washing machine is also better for your clothes.

1. Use an all-purpose spray cleaner to clean the underside of the lid. Pay special attention to the lip – – dirt and grim build up under the lip which can cause mold and odors.

2. Fill the basin with hot water set on the largest load setting. Add 2 cups of lime juice and let the washer run through a complete wash/rinse cycle. The lime juice will help with rust problems.

3. To remove odors, fill the basin again with hot water and add 2 cups of vinegar. Allow the washing machine to run through another complete wash/rinse cycle.

4. To remove stains from the basin, repeat the second and third steps once again but this time add 2 cups of bleach to the water before running a complete wash/rinse cycle.

5. Use a clean sponge to wipe the entire basin to loosen any dirt or grime that may remain and allow the washing machine to run a complete cycle with nothing but clean water.

6. Remove the bleach dispenser and fabric softener dispenser and place them in a bucket of warm soapy water to soak.

7. While the dispensers are soaking in warm water, use the hand attachments of your vacuum cleaner to remove dust from under the washing machine and behind the washing machine. Dust and dirt builds up under and behind a washing machine.

8. Remove the dispensers from the soapy water and spray them thoroughly with the spray cleaner. Using Q-tips clean the crevices of each dispenser and place it in a bucket of clean water to rinse. Dry the dispensers and replace them in the washing machine.

NOTE: Front loading washing machines should not be cleaned in the same manner as top-loading machines. Check the operating manual for your front loading washing machine for detailed instructions on how to clean your machine.